CBS exec session: CSI changes, Let's Make A Deal... and a few shots at NBC - TCA Report

Posted Aug 3rd 2009 1:12PM by Joel Keller
Filed under: Industry, TCA Press Tour, Reality-Free

CBS programming chief Nina Tassler held court this morning in the CBS executive session. Her network is in an extremely strong position, so there wasn't much in the way of controversy to report, but here are some interesting tidbits from the session:

Laurence Fishburne's character of Dr. Langston on CSI will assume a more take-charge position this year, he'll also be given a "wardrobe makeover" so he seems, as Tassler put it "more comfortable in his own clothes."
Jorja Fox will be back for the first five episodes. And one of the main characters will get promoted. I won't spoil it for you, but you can probably figure out who it might be.
A new Let's Make A Deal with Wayne Brady as host, will be taking the place of Guiding Light. Tassler wouldn't go so far as saying this is a trend towards the return of daytime network game shows, but she did say she wanted to get a new LMAD on the air for a while.
No plans to bring back Flashpoint right now, though they can. More Canadian cross-production deals on the way, including The Bridge.
On NBC's late-night / Leno strategies: "Whatever numbers they get, they'll declare victory anyway, so it doesn't matter."
On the departure of Ben Silverman of NBC: "I'm really just a D-girl, so I wouldn't comment."

CSI' Photos

FILE - In this Sept. 20, 2008 file photo, actress Jorja Fox poses on the press line at the "Entertainment Weekly 6th Annual Pre-Emmy Party" in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg, file)

©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM ***NO CANADA RIGHTS*** "CSI: Miami" star David Caruso spends some time on the beach and in the waters with his girlfriend. EXCLUSIVE June 18, 2009 Job: 90618X5 Miami, Florida www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

KADENA PIX/bauergriffinonline.com

Tags: ben silverman, BenSilverman, cbs, csi, d-girl, executive session, ExecutiveSession, flashpoint, laurence fishburne, LaurenceFishburne, lets make a dea, LetsMakeADea, nina tassler, NinaTassler, tca, wayne brady, WayneBrady

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Subtle Subtitles: Let's Make A Deal (43 days ago - 3 Comments)
Let's Make A Deal: Series Premiere (47 days ago - 2 Comments)
No, no, please, not a Criminal Minds spinoff (51 days ago - 7 Comments)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-03-2009 @ 1:55PM

Tony said...

She's so right about NBC and Leno. They'll declare success no matter what numbers he pulls in. I can hear the spin now.

8-03-2009 @ 8:30PM

Midnight13 said...

Will Liz Vassey and her character Wendy Simms finally be in the opening credits this year? Cause she should have joined the main cast last year not still be in the "also starring". Especially now that the new blonde girl has left the series.

8-04-2009 @ 7:51AM

cyaml said...

Can't she fix her teeth first? I just want to stick finger in it every time they do a close up of her.

8-04-2009 @ 11:02AM

ChrisDfied said...

We quit watching CSI: Las Vegas (one of our fav shows) when the Gil Grissom role was dropped. To us that was the "jumping the shark" episode! Haven't watched it since!

8-04-2009 @ 8:07AM

carol said...

What!! no flashpoint, that show is awesome. I hope they bring it back

8-04-2009 @ 8:17AM

Alicia said...

Come on, CSI Las vegas...

WE WANT GIL GRISOM BACK!

Okay, so its a sort of unrealistic wish. But still. I miss him. :'(

8-04-2009 @ 8:20AM

jill said...

I agree - Grissom was perfect for the role. He had limited chemistry with Sara....but his chemistry with Lady Heather was just fantastic. I would like to have seen that relationship explored.

8-04-2009 @ 8:16AM

Dolores Roth said...

Why bring back Jorja Fox. She's so boring! Get some new blood. I'm happy for Lawrence F. He's great in this show, but I still miss Will Peterson.

8-04-2009 @ 2:34PM

Jim Robertson said...

I guess that is why we are all different. I like Jorja Fox. I do also miss Peterson but Fishburnes character is being brought along well and he is a good addition to the show.

8-04-2009 @ 8:22AM

Alicia said...

I actually love Jorja Fox. I think she was pretty great. But yes, a little uninteresting. I think the show should give her something interesting to work off of... know what I mean?

But I do agree with you on one thing... I want Will Peterson back. Now.

8-04-2009 @ 8:25AM

Alicia said...

Yeah, Jorja's teeth are pretty annoying, but still, she would be a good actress if the show actually gave her an interesting role.

8-04-2009 @ 8:42AM

Keith said...

They need to get P. Diddy off this show! He is the worst actor ever in TV history and he ruins every scene he is in.

8-04-2009 @ 8:38AM

Bill said...

I'd trust NBC press releases over CBS's any day of the week.

Any network which would continue to promote a loser like David Letterman should be censored.

They tried promoting their leftist politics with Katie Couric, and look where it got them...3rd place.

8-04-2009 @ 8:50AM

wbird22 said...

CSI will never be the same without the character of Gil Grissom.

More importantly however, is the fate of Flashpoint. It has become our favorate show. I want it back...please!!!

We can always petition it!

8-04-2009 @ 8:49AM

mcurtis2962 said...

Yea!! Jorja's back. Can't wait.

8-04-2009 @ 9:22AM

Belinda said...

I like Jorja's character, but she needs more excitement in her role. Still want Grissom back

8-06-2009 @ 11:39AM

mamahonnie said...

I would love to see Gil Grissom and Wark back on CSI I love them all (CSI's) so Wark wasn't the only actor to fall off the wagon they brought them back so why not him and Gil was the passionate in that role , ok already I like Laurence too so keep them all would be an interesting team

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CBS exec session: CSI changes, Let's Make A Deal... and a few shots at NBC - TCA Report